...and your views on turning street lights back on

READERS have heard that the City Council is facing calls to restore overnight street lighting after a belief crime has gone up in one ward, including three burglaries within a single week in the same neighbourhood.

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

The incidents happened in an area known as the Trees, with reports on Lime Tree Avenue, Beech ‘Tree Avenue and Elm Tree Avenue, according to the Westwood neighbourhood police team’s weekly update.

Other recent crimes in the ward include two car thefts on Fow Oak and Broad Lane, and multiple thefts from vehicles on Cherry Tree Drive, Westcotes and Glebe Close. Police have confirmed these cases “are being investigated”.

Local councillors have voiced “major concern’, arguing that the absence of overnight lighting is contributing to the problem. Coventry City Council, which introduced part-night lighting last year, insists the scheme has not caused an increase in crime.

The policy, covering 22,600 lights, saves the council £700,000 a year by switching off street lights between midnight and 5.30am from Sunday to Thursday, and between lam and 5.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A council spokesperson said: “Part-night street lighting was introduced last year following public consultation on our budget proposals. We understand there may be some concerns around perceived safety, but we monitor crime levels and meet with the Police on a monthly basis.